Digestion problems – Their causes, symptoms, and remedies
The digestive system extends from the mouth to the rectum and is an essential and intricate body part. It makes it easier for waste to be expelled from the body and aids in various important nutrient absorption. Sometimes, an imbalance in the digestive system can cause it to function improperly, resulting in symptoms that can significantly impact one’s life, necessitating a lifestyle change. These problems can result in complications and chronic diseases if not addressed.
Digestion disorders
Some of the typical digestion problems are listed below:
- Chronic constipation
When there are fewer than three bowel movements per week for three weeks or more, it is said to be chronic constipation. Stools that are hard and challenging to release could also be the cause. Like in the case of diarrhea, it can be difficult to identify the root cause of persistent constipation. Stool softeners and fiber supplements can help treat the problem. Increasing one’s intake of liquids, especially water, may be beneficial. A doctor might advise some exercise to strengthen the muscles that help transport the stool through the bowels if other remedies don’t provide relief. - Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is brought on by persistent flushing of gastric acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux can cause the lining of the digestive system to inflame. Consult a doctor if one experiences chronic heartburn, bad odor, unexplained tooth, erosion, nausea, discomfort in the chest or upper abdomen, difficulty swallowing, and trouble breathing.Changing a few aspects of one’s lifestyle, such as not eating meals at least two hours before bed, can help control GERD. Additionally, certain treatment methods can offer momentary heartburn relief.
- Chronic diarrhea
The occasional desire to go to the toilet is normal, but a loose stool that persists for at least four weeks with a frequency of three or more times per day may be a cause of concern. There are so many potential reasons for diarrhea, and treating it can be challenging. It might be brought on by a condition or disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or the body’s failure to absorb certain foods, like celiac disease and foods containing gluten. Parasitic infections are also to blame. - Ulcers
The mucus that covers the inside of the stomach can become damaged by bacteria or certain anti-inflammatory treatment methods, exposing the tissue to acid and resulting in the development of a peptic ulcer. These are essentially sores inside the stomach, and because of the continuing exposure to gastric acid, they can be very challenging to treat. It is also common practice to give a proton pump inhibitor to lessen stomach acid. Untreated ulcers may not only hurt but also lead to hemorrhage, which can result in anemia. - Food intolerance
Food intolerance occurs when certain meals are intolerable to the digestive system. In contrast to food allergies, this only affects digestion. The autoimmune condition Celiac disease is a prevalent type of food intolerance. When gluten is consumed, stomach issues arise. The causes can be anything from the body lacking a specific digestive enzyme to the existence of specific chemicals in food.
Remedies
Now that one has a good understanding of the primary types of digestive issues, it is essential to look at how they can be treated with easy natural home remedies to improve digestion.
- Add more fiber
Constipation is a common condition that causes bloating, gas, and a sluggish sensation in patients. They might also occasionally feel a little lethargic or have a small headache, neither of which are desirable. It is recommended to add more fiber to one’s meals to manage these symptoms. This will guarantee the simple elimination of the body’s wastes. Fiber-rich foods like bananas and leafy vegetables can assist with issues like constipation. - Eat meals slowly
When one wolfs down their food, they swallow more gas than when they chew carefully. The digestive system is put under more stress when one gobbles food because the salivary fluids won’t have time to work on the food in the mouth. Chewing slowly helps improve digestion, which is the best method to solve this problem. - Try aloe vera juice
Aloe vera contains the laxatives barbaloin, aloin, and aloe-emodin, which promote normal bowel movements. They also aid in the treatment of flatulence, bloating, and reflux. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties defend the gut lining and ease pain in the intestines, making it one of the best digestion remedies. - Eat at the right time
Heartburn, stomach irritability, and acidity may result from not eating on time. The best solution to this issue is to eat smaller, more regular meals and to make sure that one never skips breakfast. Additionally, one must eat supper at least two to three hours before going to bed so that the digestion process can begin before one nods off.